Fact Check: "43 percent of long-distance trains were delayed in June."
What We Know
In June 2025, punctuality figures for Deutsche Bahn (DB), Germany's national railway operator, indicated that approximately 43 percent of long-distance trains (specifically InterCity Express (ICE) and InterCity (IC) services) were recorded as delayed. This statistic reflects a significant decline in punctuality compared to previous months, where the on-time performance was reported at 62 percent in May and 65.6 percent in March (The Local). The delays were attributed to various factors, including equipment malfunctions, unplanned construction work, and severe weather conditions (The Local).
Analysis
The claim that 43 percent of long-distance trains were delayed in June is corroborated by reliable sources. The data from Deutsche Bahn is particularly credible as it comes directly from the railway operator's performance statistics, which are regularly published and scrutinized. The reported figure of 43 percent aligns with the official statistics released by DB, confirming the accuracy of the claim (The Local).
Additionally, the context provided by the source indicates that the delays were not only significant but also part of a broader trend of declining punctuality. The mention of specific causes for the delays, such as infrastructure issues and severe weather, adds depth to the understanding of the situation (The Local).
While there are other sources that discuss train performance, such as Amtrak's statistics, they pertain to different rail systems and do not directly impact the validity of the claim regarding Deutsche Bahn (Bull Sheet). Therefore, the focus remains on the German context, where the 43 percent figure is both relevant and accurate.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that 43 percent of long-distance trains were delayed in June is accurate based on reliable data from Deutsche Bahn. The figure reflects a significant issue within the rail system during that month, corroborated by multiple sources that detail the decline in punctuality and the factors contributing to it.
Sources
- Passenger rail performance: April to June 2025 - GOV.UK
- 'Daily struggle': Deutsche Bahn's train punctuality ...
- Amtrak Long-Distance Train Performance - Bull Sheet
- Train Running History / Statistics
- Amtrak Long-Distance Train Performance - Bull Sheet
- Deutsche Bahn train punctuality in Germany 2019-2025
- Train Statistics and Facts (2025) - news.market.us
- Policy Lessons from Germany's ZugverspΓ€tungen (Train ...